On a recent business travel, a 6:00 am checkout at a hotel was followed by an 8:00am flight back home. I was taken aback when the hotel decided to charge me for breakfast, that was supposed to be included in the already exorbitant per day fee. On intervention, I was told that since my breakfast was eaten at 11:10am instead of 11:00am, a charge would be applicable. Trivial, but worth a mention, that the breakfast I ate was a part of buffet. Fortunately, I just about made it to my flight, after the additional time spent convincing the hotel against this fallacious hotel charge.
Now, before celebrating deals at hotels, I make it a point to keenly analyse any additional charges that may be disguised as wonderful hospitality.
Here’s a list of ten hidden hotel costs that you may come across, and how they can be avoided.
Late check-in or check-out
It’s often taken for granted that a late check-in or check-out will not alter the charge of your stay at a hotel. A number of hotels do not inform about this expense until your check-out, which then comes as a surprise. It’s a good idea to cross-check at the reception desk before commencing your time, even better to join the hotel’s loyalty programme to completely exempt yourself from this fee.
Bottled water and fruits
Most often when you see a bottle of mineral water and a platter of fruits, it is complimentary. But only those which bear a sticker or tag that says so. Best to be careful about consuming food and water kept in your room, even if it isn’t in the mini-bar. In doubt, simply call the front-desk and clarify.
Parking
Driving to your business destination can be taxing, and finding the right parking for your vehicle at the hotel, expensive. Most hotels do not charge for parking, but a number of them have a valet stipend. Tipping is considered a norm, an additional 10 per cent of the amount is only polite. It’s ideal to check with the hotel before bringing your car, and perhaps more economical to rent a taxi if the valet fees is unreasonable.
Minibar
The fee associated with the usage of your hotel room’s minibar is obvious; but did you know that charges can be applicable even without actually consuming any food or drink? Certain hotels are equipped with sensors, that immediately add the price of the item picked up to the bill. Even swapping products with ones bought outside of the hotel can be detected by sensitive machines. It’s advisable to be careful with ultra responsive minibars in order to avoid a restocking fee.
Wifi
It’s safe to say that hotel wifi has been the topic of debate in the hospitality industry in 2015. A number of hotel groups have expanded their services to offer complimentary wifi to their guests this year, such as Marriott, StarWood and Hyatt hotels. Many hotels still charge their guests for internet access, and costs vary from speed packages to the duration of usage. Some even connect without automatically, most with your acknowledgement fortunately. Wifi is also charged as per device at some hotels, ideal to check before surfing the net on your iPad, while your wife uses the laptop.
Missing items
It’s definitely not often that picture frames televisions or go missing in hotels, but there’s a chance some items have been accidentally misplaced unintentionally by you during the duration of your stay. Perhaps a mistake from the housekeeping for not replacing used cutlery, or a bathrobe left at the poolside, can cause the hotel to levy a charge for these objects at the time of billing. It’s not considered unethical to take home toiletries, as the housekeeping will anyway be discarding the same.
In-room safe
An in-room safe is a convenience, but it’s surprising how some hotels decide to charge for keeping your belongings safe. Take note of any sign that implies this fee at the time of check-in, as it may come as a surprise to you as the time of billing. Be more cognisant and advise against this payment if the in-room safe isn’t used (called as negative option billing).
Baggage storage
Another obvious convenience, storage of your luggage before or after your check-in is chargeable at certain hotels. Read the fine-print before you decide to leave your bags at the hotel while you check-out at noon for a late night flight. Avoiding the cost of a late check-out may lead to another one.
Breakfast
Extended breakfasts can often come with extended charges. Be prepared to pay more at the time of billing for that diet coke or dim-sum you devoured in the morning from that “extended breakfast menu”. While you rejoice an inclusive breakfast, even a delay of ten minutes can lead to the hotel charging you for your meal. Be careful of the time and follow the rules.
Service tax
If you’re exceptionally happy with a hotel professional’s service during your stay, you could choose to exempt the service tax in your bill and pay cash to that individual. If you aren’t happy with the hotel’s hospitality, you can even decide not to pay for it entirely as well. Service tax must ideally be paid as per your discretion and standards of service received during your time at the hotel.
